Tears of disbelief flowed in Ravensmead yesterday when the brother of South African cricket star, Vernon Philander, was shot and killed.
Hartseer residents gathered near the body of Tyrone Philander, 32, and expressed their shock after the father of two was shot dead in Webner Street shortly after 1pm.
Community Police Forum (CPF) spokesperson Zelda Trantraal says the young father was walking to fetch water for his family when he was killed.
“Tyrone lives with his long-term girlfriend and their two children in Ravensmead,” explains Trantaal.
“His girlfriend was doing laundry, but as the water at their home had run out due to the water meter (restrictions) he walked with kannetjies to a public tap to get water when he was shot.
“It is unclear what led up to the shooting and while there were 16 bullet casings on the scene, it is unclear how many bullets hit him.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms the shooting, saying: “Ravensmead SAPS are investigating a murder case after a shooting incident at about 1.10pm on the corners of 7th Avenue and Webner Street, where a 32-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”
When Daily Voice arrived at the scene, Tyrone’s grief-stricken mother Bonny could be seen crying as she sat on a chair placed near his body.
Dressed in a blue top and black pants and a white cap, Tyrone lay next to his cart with six cans of water.
Eldest brother Vernon, 35, a star bowler for the Proteas, who retired from international cricket last year, was not at the scene.
The family released a statement saying they are grateful for the messages of support.
Vernon said: “Our family is coming to terms with the brutal murder in my hometown of Ravensmead earlier today (Wednesday). I would like to ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. The murder is now the subject of a police investigation... There are no details around the incident at the moment and speculation will make it very difficult for us as a family to mourn in peace. Tyrone is forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace.”
I would like to confirm the following and wish that our family's wish to allow us to mourn be respected. Thank you all for the love and support🙏 https://t.co/ciyEt8VYLT
— Vernon Philander (@VDP_24) October 7, 2020
A resident, who asked not to be named, described Tyrone as a sweet, down-to-earth person.
“He loved his children and was always with them. Those who saw, say a young boy shot him about seven times and then ran away,” the resident says.
“This is ridiculous, Tyrone was not a gangster.”
Trantaal says Tyrone is the seventh person to be shot in just five days in the area.
“People are really in a state of disbelief because Tyrone was not a gangster.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Nyameko Mnqayi on 079 894 1278 or 021 933 9000.